Medal of Honor Recipient Awarded Sachem
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowGovernor Eric Holcomb has awarded the state’s highest honor to Sammy L. Davis, a native of Freedom, Indiana and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. The award is given to those in recognition of "a lifetime of excellence and moral virtue that has brought credit and honor to Indiana." Following Monday’s ceremony, Davis compared receiving the Sachem to the day he received the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1969.
During his speech, Davis said it is possible for the nation to correct its current direction. He said it’s not about politics and "which color hat that you wear."
"America is not made up of just one race, or of one religion, or just one ethnic group. We must sit down at a common table and discuss what each of us want for our nation’s children, try to elevate the positive ideas that each has, and then try to resolve the negatives. Most are painfully aware of the negatives that surround each of us. We must believe that there is so much in America that is good. Let’s focus on what is good and what is positive."
The Owen County native received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a firefight near the city of Cai Lay in 1967 during the Vietnam War. After suffering numerous injuries, including a broken back, Davis rescued several wounded comrades while fighting off the Vietcong.
When asked what it means to be a hero, Davis said, "It’s an immense obligation to do my very best to live up to it because I know I’m not one, but I want to be what you believe I am. So I’m trying very hard to that and I’m trying very hard to stand up firmly for what is right in my heart and to encourage you and everyone else to always stand up for what you believe is right in your heart."